Thermaltake TT eSPORTS Challeger Pro Gaming Keyboard Review

Inside the Box

Inside the box was the Challenger Pro gaming keyboard, a keyboard carry bag, a detachable USB cable and USB carry bag, a small fan, a key cap puller, 10 removable keys, the user manual and software.

Included with the Challenger Pro is one small 30mm 5V DC fan that can be stored in a storage compartment at the top of the keyboard.

Even though the fan runs at 6000 RPMs (+- 15%) and blows air at a MAX 2.7 CFM, it is very quiet. The fan as you can see has a plug similar to a DC power connector and can be plugged in at the top of the left or right side of the keyboard. My personal feeling on the fan strength is that its a little weak. I could barely feel the air flow across my fingers as I was playing Starcraft II which was a little disappointing.

The USB cable has a 90 degree connector that allows the cable to run along the back of the keyboard and helps prevent accidental breakage. There are also two USB extension ports that can be used for a mouse and/or a USB key. It should be noted that both USB 2.0 ports are 100 mA powered, so they might not have enough power if your external device needs more juice than that.

The keys are low profile keys similar to a laptop with an estimated 10 million click lifecycle. This picture gives a nice close up of the five macro keys (T6 – T10), the LED back light illumination switch, the game profile switch and the multimedia hot keys along the top.

The back of the Challenger Pro has four rubber pads located at each corner. The rubber pads along with the weight, which seems to be about double a normal keyboard, should be more than enough to help prevent unnecessary movement during game play. There is also a slot at the top of the keyboard for cable management. The braided USB cable fits snuggly into the grooves and helps prevent the cable from being disconnected during game play.